Early Doors

Didier Drogba accidentally smashes ball into own tribute banner

Things didn't go according to plan for Didier Drogba on his return to Stamford Bridge, but at least he has the love of Chelsea's fans.

Galatasaray's 2-0 Champions League last-16 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge was the 36-year-old's first time back playing in West London since he left following the 2012 Champions League final win over Bayern Munich.

It was a poor match overall for the veteran target man, who still scores frequently in the Turkish league but is probably no longer good enough for the very highest level. His only real chance came in the last minute, when he finished straight at Petr Cech. He should have scored.

But there were countless tributes to cheer up the big man - this one is our favourite. Note - the photo was taken some time before kick off, so the stand did fill up a bit later:

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Drogba, who was a hero at the Bridge after eight trophy-laden seasons, spoke of his mixed emotions before the match. Widely regarded as one of Chelsea's greatest ever players, he said he wished to score against his former club for professional reasons, but would not take pleasure in victory.

He didn't need to in the end, as Chelsea comprehensively outplayed Roberto Mancini's Galatasaray side to ease into the quarter-finals of Europe's premier club competition. The first leg in Turkey had ended 1-1.

Drogba and Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho have both gone on record as saying the former Marseille hit-man is likely to return to the Bridge in a non-playing capacity.

If the fans are anything to go by, he would be more than welcome. So long as he doesn't mess up their banners.